Kali Holz, AAS, RVT, CCAT, VTS (Surgery) is a board-certified surgery technician with over a decade of experience in small animal orthopedics and advanced surgical care. She is widely recognized for her work in minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy, and total joint replacement, and for her commitment to advancing the role of veterinary technicians in specialty practice.

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Kali made history in 2025 as the first Registered Veterinary Technician in Canada to earn the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation in Surgery, an achievement that reflects both advanced clinical expertise and leadership within the profession. She also holds certification in Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapy (CCAT) through North Carolina State University, integrating rehabilitation principles into surgical patient care.

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In addition to her clinical work, Kali is an active researcher and published author, with multiple peer-reviewed studies in Veterinary Surgery focusing on arthroscopy, meniscal repair, and joint stabilization techniques. She is a regular contributor to The RVT Journal, where she develops continuing education content centred on orthopedics, perioperative nursing, and diagnostic imaging.

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Kali is deeply committed to mentorship and professional development, serving as a preceptor and placement host for veterinary technician students and supporting the next generation of RVTs pursuing advanced practice roles.

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Currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology through the University of Missouri, Kali continues to expand her academic and clinical expertise while contributing to innovation within the field.

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Outside of her professional life, she is owned by Yaegar, a Weimaraner, and Happy, a German Shorthaired Pointer. Together they enjoy exploring the wild beauty of Northern Ontario, as well as competing in a number of dog sports, such as confirmation, scent detection and obedience.

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View Kali's Google Scholar profile here. 

View Kali's ORCID profile here.

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Publication History

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Arthroscopic sampling, diagnosis and treatment of infected total hip replacements in dogs: 8 cases. Veterinary Surgery 2025

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Short-term outcomes of 43 dogs treated with arthroscopic suturing for meniscal tears associated with cranial cruciate ligament disease. Veterinary Surgery 2024. 

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Ex-vivo evaluation of arthroscopically assisted shoulder stabilization in dogs using an intra-articular aiming device. Veterinary Surgery 2023.​

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Speaker History

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ACVS 2019 - AVST Technician Case Reports - Finalist: Concurrent micro total hip replacement in a cat.